Limit pests by eliminating odors at the source

Dr. Cisse Spragins, founder and CEO, Rockwell Labs

There’s an unlimited “supply” of house flies (Musca domestica) and blow flies (Calliphoridae) in the environment. Help limit attraction to the building by treating dumpsters and areas with organic debris with bio-sanitation products, to eliminate odors at the source. Exempt botanicals have no impervious surface restrictions and are highly repellent, so they’re another option for exterior treatment of food facilities. Boric acid powder applied in the bottom of the dumpster can help eliminate breeding there. Practice exclusion to help further prevent building entry.

Small flies, meanwhile, breed indoors in organic build-up and drains. Again, I recommend bio-sanitation products to help eliminate organic debris. Boric acid powder is another option for treating cracks, crevices and drains, to turn the scum into “bait” upon which flies feed and die. Exempt botanical spray can be applied in cracks, crevices and drains to kill and repel. Exempt botanical blocks even can be placed in beverage drip trays, under the ice machine and in other damp, attractive areas.